Three Steps to Set a Perfect Mother’s Day Brunch Table

It’s Mother’s Day and you’re hosting mom for a homemade (or slyly re-plated restaurant-prepared) brunch at your place. But, this holiday calls for more than paper plates. The food, the flowers, the drinks, the colorful decorations and the sentimental Mother’s Day card can all be part of a perfect meal to honor your mom… in your head, at least. If you’re having trouble balancing the decor with the delicacies, then read on. This quick how-to will guide you through the process of setting a perfect table for your family on Mother’s Day.

Step 1: Start with the food. (Obviously!)

It’s a good idea to plan your meal before you start piling decorations on the table. Will it be a simple coffee cake with tea? Or a variety of fruits, nuts, cookies, muffins and quiche? Are you going to serve it hot or cold? Will it go well with mimosas? These decisions are essential to figuring out what to set the table with, and how much room you will have for flowers and decor.

Step 2: Pick out decor.

When it comes time for flowers and crafty decorations, don’t overthink it (you can read more ideas here). Decide on a color palette based on your food choices. For instance, purple lavender blooms alongside berries and grapes, or blue and yellow flowers to compliment a plate of blueberry muffins. Napkins that match your orange juice, or perhaps a tablecloth to match the frosting on your cupcakes.

The only rule you need to follow is this one: don’t let the decorations get in the way of the food or your mother’s face. If table space is limited, opt for short-cut flowers in small tea cups or long-cuts in a slender vase that can be scooched aside easily during the meal. Or pick some daisies and scatter them along the tabletop like this lovely setup.

Step 3: Set the plates.

Set out all the serving platters, plates, bowls, cups, napkins, and cutlery a day early. If you’re feeling fancy, go ahead put a nice card on mom’s plate. Not only will this save you some time on Mother’s Day, but it will also allow you to envision the meal and plan the decorations accordingly.

That’s it! Since this special day occurs near the end of spring, it’s really easy to create a pretty brunch table setting. There are flowers blooming everywhere, fresh seasonal fruit, and gorgeous spring weather for natural light. Simply let the beauty of the season express itself. Then all you have to do is pull up a chair and toast to another happy Mother’s Day.